Athy rider to represent Ireland at World Barrel Racing Championships

THREE young riders from Kildare and Laois are preparing to make the journey to Georgia, USA to compete in the World Barrel Racing Championships this October.

The Irish trio –23-year-old Christopher Kelly from Athy, 24-year-old Cody LaCumber from Fossey, Laois, and 16-year-old Hannah McGovern from Vicarstown, Laois – will travel to America for the prestigious event, running in October of this year, and will see over 2,500 competitors from around the globe battling for a share of the huge €630,000 prize fund.

Barrel racing, a high-speed rodeo sport popular in North America, involves riders guiding their horses around three barrels set in a triangle pattern as quickly as possible. 

While the sport remains relatively niche in Ireland, interest has been growing thanks to the popularity of TV shows such as ‘Heartland’ and ‘Yellowstone’, said Fossey Spring Ranch Owner Michael LaCumber.

Mr LaCumber has been involved with the sport for many years and is delighted for the group to have a chance at international level.

The group’s invitation came after strong performances at national events caught the eye of an English trainer with links to the US competition.

"I don't care what they win or what they don't win. It’s a great achievement in itself to just get out there,” said Mr LaCumber.

"It doesn't matter where they come or what they do after that.” 

The riders will be hiring horses in the US, a challenge in itself given they will have limited time to bond with the animals before competing against riders who have trained with their horses for years. 

But Mr LaCumber says talent and determination can bridge the gap – noting that his son Cody placed second at the World Championships in Oklahoma a few years ago on a borrowed horse.

At the moment, Mr Lacumbre’s son Cody is doing times of 16.4 seconds on the course, which if he manages to get at the championships in Georgia, he will be well on his way to winning a prize.

“They’re hungry,” said Michael about the Irish barrel racing trio. “It’s the hunger that drives them.” 

The team is currently fundraising to cover travel, training, horse hire costs, and some uniforms, with events including a raffle, a planned barn dance, and a large trail ride. 

Details on these events will come in the following weeks. 

They are also seeking support from Horse Sport Ireland, the national governing body for equestrian sport.

For Michael, the trip is about more than just competition – it’s about building the “obscure” sport in Ireland – and sharing the his passion with the rest of the country.

“What it’s about at the end of the day is representing your country. That's all anyone ever wanted to do in regards to sports,” he said.

"It’s about putting Ireland on the map."